Comments on: How Do I Know If I’m Buying High Quality Cast Iron Cookware?

By: Lindata

Lindata — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:10:51 +0000

I don’t believe there is much difference. If the casting has been done with good workmanship, i.e. it has been cleaned and trimmed properly, then go for it. I am using a 100 year old cast iron skillet at this moment.
The important thing with cast iron is developing the finish by seasoning the pan. You will need to scour the pan to remove the wax finish the manufacturer has put on to keep it from rusting in the store. You should never need to scour the pan with soap again. Then you need to coat it with fat or oil and place in a 350 oven for an hour or so to bind the fat to the surface. This first attempt at seasoning will not result in the wonderful, black, non-stick finish that will develop as you use the pan. After each use, fill the pan with soapy water to soak off any food particles, maybe use a plastic tuffy to get those stubborn pieces out, and again wipe the pan with oil or fat. You may want to gently warm the pan on the stove or in the oven to make sure it is completely dry.
Properly seasoned cast iron pans are a joy and books have been written about how to do it. It is one of those topics, like how to make the perfect pie crust, that will never be fully resolved.

By: Robert

Robert — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:10:51 +0000

Above all, stick with American manufacturers, as the products made in this country have to meet certain quality reuirements. Imported products are not always held up to such scrutiny. They also can be somewhat expensive.
Lodge is the standard for American cast iron. It’s widely available but somewhat expensive. JC Penny sells a line of cookware called “Cooks” that includes a cast iron line. I’m not familiar with any feedback, positive or negative, regarding this brand. It does tend to be somewhat cheaper than Lodge, especially if its on sale.
Le Creuset is one of the more popular names in foreign-made enameled cast iron, which is a breed apart from regular cast iron cookware. Perosnally, I find Le Creuset to be expensive and somewhat limited in their choices. Shopping for cast iron on ebay is a possibility, although you have to stick with the renowned brands. You also have to be careful that you are not purchasing collector’s pieces, as some cast iron from defunct manufacturers is collectible today.
Whenever you buy cast iron, it should always feel heavy for its size. Anything that doesn’t tends to indicate a lower quality. Also look at the piece to make certain that it is not warped or broken. This can indicate poor care ans storage at the retailer. Make sure that you actually get to see, fell, and pick up the piece that you want to buy, if this is possible. If you buy pre seasoned cast iron, it should have the black surface that people normally associate with cast iron. There are also unseasoned pieces available on the market. Their color will be distinctively lighter. Unseasoned cast iron should have a factory-applied coating on it, although this is very difficult to see in many cases.
In the end, there are some good deals available in cast iron, although relatively speaking it is more expensive than other metal cookware in most cases. It comes down to whether or not you believe you are getting a fair price. If the deal sounds to good to be true, it may very well be.

By: Raylee

Raylee — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:10:51 +0000

The PRICE!!!!!

By: ginkgobl

ginkgobl — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:10:51 +0000

Usually the heft of the cookware.
Light cookware is usually bad.
Lodge cookware is good and decently priced.
Go to a surplus store and pick up what they have, usually this is a good example of what to avoid.

By: THE CATWHISPERER

THE CATWHISPERER — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:10:50 +0000

You can find good high-quality iron cookware at flea markets, rummage sales and charity shops. If it’s rusty then of course don’t buy it. I have always been lucky finding iron cookware in those places. Cooking in iron is good for you too, you get your daily dose! Be sure that it’s heavy too because light iron cookware is no good. Happy shopping!

By: ken G

ken G — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:10:50 +0000

Stick with Lodge for new , and better yet buy old NASTY pieces from yard sales etc . They can be soak cleaned easily in a Lye solution in a bucket, and re-seasoned to better than newly manufactured quality.

By: teanah20

teanah20 — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:10:50 +0000

hi yvonne sorry i can’t answer your question but i sent you a email about a month ago and you never replied!

By: Smartphone Emulators

Smartphone Emulators — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:10:50 +0000

Lodge is the only name to trust. Over the years I have tried other and only Lodge has lasted.